Willis Knighton Health Increases Independence Bowl Community Service Scholarship to $5,000 Apiece

SHREVEPORT, La. (Sept. 15, 2025) – Willis Knighton Health and the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl have extended their partnership for three years, as Willis Knighton Health will continue to be the official sports medicine provider of the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl through 2027.

“Continuing our relationship with the Independence Bowl is an important aspect of the Willis Knighton Sports Medicine program,” said Willis Knighton Director of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Amy Sudduth. “Over the years, we have had the opportunity to provide sports medicine services to many athletes who now play in the NFL who were just beginning their college careers. We have also witnessed great coaches who have coached many great teams, some as they began their careers and others as they finished them. The opportunity for our employees to witness great football has without a doubt been a highlight of our sponsorship.” 

As part of the partnership extension, Willis Knighton will be increasing the annual Willis Knighton/Independence Bowl Community Service Scholarship to two $5,000 scholarships per year. Two scholarships are awarded every year to one graduating senior from Caddo Parish and one from Bossier Parish based on academic success and commitment to improving the community through service. The scholarships were $2,500 apiece for the first 19 years of the program, and $95,000 in scholarships have been awarded over those 19 years. This year will mark the 20th year of the program.

“We are thankful to Willis Knighton Health for their continued support,” said Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl Executive Director Missy Setters. “Partnerships are the lifeblood supporting one of the longest-running college football bowl games and our many community initiatives in Northwest Louisiana throughout the year, which include scholarships, teacher grants and other events and programs.” 

Scholarship applications have been distributed to each public high school in Caddo and Bossier Parish. Each school may submit up to three students for the scholarship, and students are required to work with their school to apply. Applications cannot be submitted directly to the Independence Bowl Foundation or Willis-Knighton Health by the students. The deadline for schools to submit their applicants is Friday, October 17.

The recipients of the Willis Knighton/Independence Bowl Community Service Scholarship are honored annually at the Chairman’s VIP Reception during Bowl Week in front of Independence Bowl Foundation Board Members, sponsors and representatives from the two participating universities.

Organizations and groups interested in corporate partnerships with the Independence Bowl Foundation and Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl can visit IndependenceBowl.org/sponsorship.

ABOUT THE RADIANCE TECHNOLOGIES INDEPENDENCE BOWL™

Established in 1976, the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl™ is college football’s 11th most historic bowl game. The 49th edition will kick off on Tuesday, December 30 at 1 p.m. CST on ESPN. Radiance Technologies is the bowl’s title sponsor through at least the 2027 Bowl Season. The bowl’s conference and television agreements also run through the 2025 bowl game. 

The Independence Bowl Foundation is prevalent in the Shreveport-Bossier City area throughout the year, hosting events to help enhance the economic impact and growth of our community. The Mission of the Independence Bowl is to attract and provide quality, nationally recognized football competition oriented to the Ark-La-Tex region. For more information, visit RadianceTechnologiesIndependenceBowl.com or follow the bowl on Facebook, X and Instagram at @IndyBowl.